The New Orleans Pelicans can’t catch a break.
Frankly, that’s what’s been the most consistent about their team this season. Maybe they need to pray to the basketball gods or another deity. Whatever the reason, they’ve been struck by bad luck since opening night. That’s not an exaggeration; starting point guard Dejounte Murray –their blockbuster offseason acquisition —fractured his hand in the first game of the season. To make matters worse, it happened late in a game that was all but decided.
He was sidelined for the next month.
Pelicans Starter Dejounte Murray Helped To Locker Room; Feared To Have Season-Ending Injury
On Friday, Murray suffered another injury. One that will keep him out even longer than his hand fracture. After an errant jumper, the 28-year-old may have landed awkwardly. He immediately fell to the ground, clutching his right leg, near the Achilles area. He stood up under his own power but was unable to put weight on that leg, hopping to the bench.
Members of the Pelicans staff helped him to the locker room.
Dejounte Murray was helped to the locker room after suffering an apparent non-contact injury on this play 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4HVeiNwduI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 1, 2025
(This story has been updated.)
Following the game, ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed suspicions. Murray tore his Achilles and will miss the remainder of his 2024-25 campaign.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray has suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/HlRNXoYPzJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2025
It’s been a pretty rough season for the eight-year veteran, to say the least.
A Trying Season
Myriad factors have contributed to Murray having a down year.
For one, it’s his first season with the Pelicans, so he needed an adjustment period. Not only did he have to get used to new teammates but new coaches, new terminology, and new responsibilities.
Prior to his stint with the Atlanta Hawks, Murray had proven he could run a team as a full-time point guard. However, at that time, he was with the rebuilding San Antonio Spurs. New Orleans hasn’t looked the part this season, but they’re a playoff contender. In fact, given the talent that they’ve amassed, they should be a shoo-in.
On top of the learning curve that Murray has had to navigate is the fact that he isn’t the only player who has missed an extended stretch due to injury. Face of the franchise Zion Williamson missed 27 consecutive games due to a hamstring strain. Incumbent franchise cornerstone Brandon Ingram has been out since Dec. 7 after suffering a high-grade ankle sprain. Down two key scorers, Murray started pressing, playing hero ball.
Unlike the stretch he had when Hawks point guard Trae Young was sidelined with a thumb injury, it hasn’t worked. His shots have been wide and low, long and short. Entering Friday’s game against the Boston Celtics, he was averaging 17.9 points per game but shooting a career-low 39.3 percent from the field. Though he’s never been regarded as a knockdown three-point shooter, his percentage this season (.299) has been substandard as well.
© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
